The store utilized local design talent in the creation of the new space. Designer Chris McCray did the space planning, while faux finishers and decorative painters Dede Davis and Sunny Goode (Creators of Sunny’s Goodtime Paints), Adam Elliott, Janell Rhee and Patti Ryan embellished the surfaces, creating an exciting adventure ready to be explored.
Our adventure begins at the store entrance which is reminiscent of a visit to the English or French countryside. French blues, distressed whites, toile and romance surround us. This area of the store is displayed in several vignettes, each having a distinct flavor and purpose. My eyes are drawn to the children’s area, which houses beautiful beds and a distressed iron crib, a delightful line of special-order linens and delicate hand-embroidered pillows. English baby bottles, tiny teddy bears filled with soothing lavender and matelassé bibs are among my favorite finds.
All vignette and seating areas include new furniture, French reproductions and hand-selected antiques. The antiques are marked with a special tag picturing Heather’s great-grandmother, Annie Louise. Williams’ mother, Nancy, collects these specialties for the store.
Large case goods, jewelry and rugs have been added to the Williams & Sherrill collection. Great gifts in candles and aromatherapy cleaning products are also available.
Other focus areas of the store include fabrics, trim, wallpaper and interior design services. Patrick and Manager/Buyer Jamie Coffey find their passions here. Heather says Williams & Sherrill stocks more than 300 silk fabrics, and the store contains the most in-depth local fabric library open to the public. A staff of designers is available to work with each customer on small decorating projects or to put together an entire room.
The store also carries a huge selection of trims, or passementerie, including velvet, ribbon, beads and cording. An old English church altar serves as a trim cutting table.
Especially impressive is an area within the fabrics called “Create.” This features furniture upholstered in natural cotton. These pieces can be used as “mannequins” to drape fabrics, trims and wallpapers. Patrick explains that this gives customers a visual feel for their room. With so many beautiful things to choose from, this clever service helps make decorating decisions a bit easier. HS
